Psalm 119 is an instruction how, in the midst of cultural upheaval, to stand firm as does God and His Word in the Heavens.
Psalm 119:97: “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.”
The Bible is the instrument the Holy Spirit uses to show man that he is a sinner. Only the Holy Spirit can convict or convince of sin, and He does it with the sword-thrust of the Word, of which He is the Author (John 16:8; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). The Bible shows us that we are sinners, and this is one reason why many do not read the Bible; it shows them their sinful state and their sinful actions (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 53:6; John 8:7-9; Romans 3:10-23). The Bible not only declares that all men are sinners, but it states that because of our sin we are dead (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1); and we are lost (Luke 19:10; 05868212 Corinthians 4:3). How strange to love the Bible when it shows us to be sinful, dead and lost! But that is a very good reason for loving it! If we were in a burning building and someone came in to warn us, surely we would love that friend for saving us. It is for this reason that we love God’s Word. It shows us our sinful, lost, dead condition, and it leads us to seek salvation (Isaiah 55:6). This Book convicts the sinner, and the convicted sinner becomes a seeker.
The Bible is the instrument the Holy Spirit uses to turn a man away from his sin to the Savior, who is able to save from the penalty of sin (John 5:24; Romans 8:1); able to cleanse from the defilement of sin (Zechariah 13:1; 1 John 1:7); able to deliver from the power of sin (John 8:36; Romans 6:14). The Bible converts the seeking sinner (Psalm 19:7)! To be converted is to be turned away from sin, self and Satan and to turn to the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and our Lord. How wonderfully the Holy Spirit used “the Word of God” on Peter’s lips on the Day of Pentecost to convict sinners and then to convert seekers per Acts 1:14-42 (especially vv. 36-39; 41-42). About 3000 were convicted of sin and were converted. Have you been converted? Conversion is described in Psalm 119:59-60, illustrated in Luke 15:11-24, and described again in 2 Corinthians 5:17. This Book is used by the Spirit to convict the sinner, and the convicted sinner becomes a seeker. Then, the Holy Spirit uses this Book to convert the seeker and the converted seeker becomes a saint.
The Bible is the instrument the Holy Spirit uses to comfort those who love and belong to the Lord, and who are described by God as His saints (Deuteronomy 33:3; 1 Samuel 2:9; Psalm 50:5; Acts 9:13; Romans 12:13; Ephesians 1:1; Revelation 15:3). What is it God’s saints need most of all? They need comfort, the sheer practical down-to-earth comfort that is found in and imparted by the Bible. It is not a sketchy, sentimental thing; it is that solid spiritual upholding and support that the Lord promises to give to His people to enable them to live for Him, to serve Him, and if necessary to suffer for Him. Turn to a few examples of great words from the Bible which minister comfort to God’s people. Begin with Psalm 119:165. Then turn to Isaiah 41:10; then Psalms 23, 27, 34, 91; then John 14:1-3; Philippians 4:19, etc. etc. We see here comfort, strength, grace, enabling to support and sustain us in every time of joy or sorrow, triumph or trial, health or sickness – life or death.
The Bible is the instrument the Holy Spirit uses to reveal Christ to His people: Christ, who is in all the scriptures, the theme of all scripture, and whom the Holy Spirit alone seeks to glorify (John 5:39; John 16:13-15). When the two were walking to Emmaus, Jesus walked with them, and we read that “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (Luke 24:13-27). This Book concerns the Savior, who is in all the scriptures, and all scripture points to Him. Wherever we turn we see Him in the glory of His Person and the sufficiency of His work. Moreover, He is the Author of the Book. We love the Bible because it acquaints us with the Author and makes us “wise for salvation through faith in Christ” (2 Timothy 3:15).
Throughout time, skeptics have regarded the Bible as mythological, but archaeology has confirmed it as historical. Opponents have attacked its teaching as primitive and outdated, but its moral and legal concepts and teachings have had a positive influence on societies and cultures throughout the world. It continues to be attacked by pseudo-science, psychology, and political movements, yet it remains just as true and relevant today as it was when it was first written. It is a book that has transformed countless lives and cultures throughout the last 2000 years. No matter how its opponents try to attack, destroy, or discredit it, the Bible remains; its veracity and impact on lives is unmistakable. The accuracy which has been preserved despite every attempt to corrupt, attack, or destroy it is clear testimony to the fact that the Bible is truly God’s Word and is supernaturally protected by Him. It should not surprise us that, no matter how the Bible is attacked, it always comes out unchanged and unscathed. After all, Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Mark 13:31). After looking at the evidence, one can say without a doubt that, yes, the Bible is truly God’s Word.
